Have yourself a very cabaret Christmas – as York superstar Velma Celli has released a special festive album!
A Velma Celli Christmas will be bringing some seasonal cheer to your living room this year, in this brand new EP from cabaret star Velma Celli.
Velma Celli is the alter-ego of Ian Stroughair, a renowned theatre performer who has appeared in shows like Cats, Fame, and Chicago.
“We recorded it a couple of weeks ago with the wonderful Andy Firth in his studio at his house,” Velma told YorkMix Radio breakfast presenters Laura and Leigh.
“It’s just a little pretty thing – I love Christmas songs.”
Velma was inspired by best friend and West End star Louise Dearman, who regularly performs Christmas concerts at the Royal Albert Hall.
“So I thought I’m going to do one – mainly because she said she was so I was bit jealous. It’s just a bit of fun.”
The five track EP, with musical arrangements by Scott Roberts, features Velma’s versions of It’s Beginning to Look a Lot Like Christmas, The Christmas Song, Last Christmas, River, and Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas.
The EP is available to listen to and download on music streaming sites like Apple Music, Spotify and Amazon Music.
If you want to catch Velma Celli performing in all her glory before the end of year, don’t miss the Annual Community Carol Concert at York Barbican happening this Sunday (15 December).